Gifts of gay and lesbian ministry

Abstract

We live in a world that, more often than not, questions the spiritual depth, understandin~ and value of gay and lesbian people. This article, based on a year-long narrative research study of gay men and lesbian women on a variety of spiritual journeys, raises the assertion that, rather than being spiritually deficient, these individuals can be gifted ministers in a number of ways. Their contributions may include: (a) a marginalized perspective that is able to see truth and hypocrisy in our churches, and the integrity to challenge these institutions; (b) comfort with the intangible, the ambiguous, the shades of gray and the paradoxical; (c) empathy with and compassion for the disenfranchised and the troubled, and a commitment to social justice; (d) an enhanced understanding of God that comes from being a "survivor"; and (e) self-reflectiveness and the valuing of a community that encourages introspection and exploration. The article develops these ideas, based on the stories and reflections of the study participants.This is a time in our national history when the roles of gay men and lesbian women in our organizations--churches, the military, corporations, and schools---are being explored, challenged, and debated. The various sides of the debate are arguing about civil rights, costs of changing discriminatory policies, the presence of sinful conditions, and the relationship between church and state. Many individuals feel that "homosexual persons" should not be protected by the law or an organization's policies because they (gay men and lesbians) are depraved; others are concerned that switching from a restrictive position to a more affirming one will be costly and awkward.

Challenges of Being Simultaneously Gay or Lesbian and Spiritual and/or Religious: A Narrative Perspective

“…They may be feeling pressure to follow the familial path, outwardly participating in their religious organization while inwardly struggling to reconcile their emerging sexual orientation with their religious beliefs (Barret & Barzan, 1996). It may be helpful for these individuals to look beyond the tenets of their faith (Shallenberger, 1994).…”

“…For some, involvement in an organized religion allows them to remain close to their childhood tradition (Shallenberger, 1994). Others take different paths, exploring other expressions of faith, like Buddhism, yoga, meditation, Wiccan, neo-paganism, Zen and Native American traditions (Barret & Barzan, 1996;Carleton, 1997;Helminiak, 1995;Shallenberger, 1994). Still others choose to follow after "no formal religion" (Wagner et al, 1994, p. 107), choosing to "look beyond the confines of the religious worldview that they may have learned as children" (Barret & Barzan, 1996, p. 8).…”

The Importance of Spirituality Among Gay and Lesbian Individuals

“…Justifying homophobia by interpreting that this is prescribed by traditional orthodoxy is the cause of disillusionment for many gay and lesbian individuals. This is a reason why some reject traditional religions (Barret & Barzan, 1996;Davidson, 2000;Shallenberger, 1994).…”

The Varieties of Religious Responses to Homosexuality: A Content and Tonal Analysis of Articles in Pastoral Psychology from 1950 to 2015 Regarding Sexual Minorities

“…David Shallenberger (1994) reported the results of a year-long narrative research study on spiritual and religious gay men and lesbian women to demonstrate that religious groups often focus on the challenges posed by LGBT people rather than celebrating the unique perspectives and gifts they can offer. A sexual minority identity was depicted as being able to be healthily integrated into the whole of a person, a remarkable shift from previous publications.…”

“…Additionally, more explicit affirming positions were taken (Ellens 1997;Shallenberger 1994) and, as in the 1980s, no non-affirming articles were published. During this decade, Pastoral Psychology continued to illustrate the delayed time trend of using more neutral and open language surrounding sexual minorities in number, topic, and tone of articles.…”